Review of ABeka curriculum: one of the best

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ABeka, is arguably, the best and most recognized Christian homeschool curriculum on the market. The mission of the Pensacola Christian Academy was to develop curriculum of the highest quality. The academy has spent the last 50 years living up to their own high standards.

The traditional classroom approach of ABeka can be very welcoming to first time homeschooling parents or those who live in states with strict guidelines. The scope and sequences, lesson plans and step-by-step instructions on conversations are available to guide parents through the toughest of subjects. Parents removing their children from public school may also find that this program makes the transition smoother for students.

Encouraging
This program is based on the belief that children will excel if there are no limits set on their age or ability. For example, the kindergarten curriculum for 4 year olds shockingly includes cursive or manuscript writing, reading and basic number skills. First graders are writing essays, poems and journaling in cursive for Language Arts. This program encourages the child to experience and master skills above and beyond public school expectations in a fun and inviting way.

Many private schools utilize at least some part of the ABeka program. Homeschooling with the curriculum enables children to enter private schools easily if the need arises. Parents have peace knowing children are on track or exceed public school students in skills and learning.

Drawbacks
No curriculum is perfect and ABeka does have drawbacks. The program is expensive, making it unattainable for some families who wish to utilize the whole curriculum. Once children enter 4th grade and beyond the materials tend to be less "parent" friendly and instructions may be unnecessarily complicated.

The curriculum is very structured, much like a traditional classroom. For students, the amount of seat work turns into busy work, especially for kinesthetic learners. This also creates a larger work load on parents who grade daily work, papers, quizzes and tests. The accelerated program sets a pace which may be discouraging to children who struggle in a subject.

Options
ABeka offers homeschoolers 3 basic options. The first is the Video Option, where accredited teachers are filmed in the classroom. Students view DVD's for traditional instruction and a classroom feel. Parents may sign up for the fully accredited version and have the ABeka Academy keep all records and create a transcript for the student. The non-accredited plan requires parents to keep records and transcripts. Both choices include the DVD's, textbooks, quiz and testing materials needed for a student.

The Traditional Parent-Directed Option gives parents the responsibility of teaching and instructing children while the ABeka Academy keeps records and transcripts. The program provides curriculum for K5 through 6th grade. All textbooks, quiz and testing materials are included in the cost of the program.

ABeka offers textbooks and other teaching items through their on-line catalog. Parents wishing to use part of the curriculum may purchase kits or individual materials. ABeka continually hosts Homeschool Materials Displays in Houston area hotels. Typically, materials ordered during these events include free shipping and handling.

ABeka textbooks, quiz and test booklets have wonderful resell value. Families wishing to earn back money on their investment will probably find interested parties quite easily. Many parts of the curriculum can be found on sites such as e-bay, Craigslist or even at garage sales. For parents looking for great bargains this is an easy curriculum to locate.

Considerations
There are points that need to be considered before purchasing any curriculum. Parents should take into account the amount of work required for both themselves and their children. Also a students learning style will determine whether a program will be successful. The best recommendation, find another family utilizing ABeka or attend a local display event in order to review the material before making an investment.

ABeka is a tried and true curriculum, widely used and respected in homes and private schools across the nation. However, this does not guarantee the curriculum is the best for every family.